Today we’d like to introduce you to Kitty Mitchell.
Hi Kitty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was destined for an artistic career from a very young age. As an only child growing up in Fairfield, CT, with a mother who painted pottery, an engineer father who loved a good project, and a grandmother who was a pastel artist, I was always surrounded by creativity in my family. Crafting was highly encouraged, and my parents nurtured my imagination, for which I’m endlessly grateful. I have unforgettable memories from my childhood that shaped me into who I am today.
My artistically fueled upbringing led to my attending Syracuse University with an ‘undeclared art’ major. Within a few semesters, I quickly discovered that communications design (basically a fancy way of saying graphic design) perfectly merged my love of art, math, and storytelling. After receiving my BFA in communications design at SU, I went the typical route of a Cuse alum and headed straight for The Big Apple. I worked in the marketing and advertising industry for seven years with big brands like Gillette, Venus, Peds socks, Flywheel Sports, Westin, and Marriott. I collaborated with some fabulous people over those years, but no job ever felt like the perfect fit – something needed to be added for me.
In 2019, my husband and I decided to leave NYC life behind and chase our ultimate dream: life in the low country. This decision significantly shifted my perspective on work and life. Almost immediately after relocating to Charleston, I started my side hustle, “By Kitty,” and began creating and sharing my work, connecting with friends and family through art, and reigniting my passion for the missing piece -drawing, painting, and calligraphy.
The real turning point happened while I was planning my wedding in 2021. Designing our wedding stationery was the best project yet: a chance to showcase our love story and set the stage for what the wedding day would look and feel like to our guests. It reminded me of a branding project I had done many times before in my career, but this time, it was much more personal, meaningful, and a unique chance to reflect on and demonstrate who we were as a couple. We incorporated a hand-painted and personalized wedding map of coastal Connecticut, a painting of the marsh view at our venue, and plenty of other details that all came together in a unique suite that paid homage to our coastal life together.
After the invites went out, and when I began to share pictures featuring the wedding suite and day-of-paper on my By Kitty Instagram, the support and praise poured in. I continued my 9-to-5 corporate job, but my mind kept drifting to the possibility of owning my own creative business. I couldn’t stop dreaming of painting and crafting meaningful designs for people whose stories resonated with me. In April of 2023, my side hustle of three years, “By Kitty,” grew up. I quit my corporate job, got an LLC, and went full-time! A year into the journey, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. There’s nothing better than waking up and doing what you love every day. Confucius said well: “Do what you love, and you won’t work a day in your life.”
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth?
My 7+ years of experience in the advertising/PR industry have prepared me in many ways to tackle the branding and marketing side of owning a business, as well as many day-to-day tasks like answering emails professionally, handling administrative tasks, creating content for social media, etc. The most significant learning curve has been integrating into new industries where I needed more experience, like the wedding sector and consumer packaged goods (with my first holiday collection this past Christmas!). It’s incredible how much I’ve learned in just a year. A former boss’s advice, “Say yes and figure it out,” has been a guiding principle, and podcasts, YouTube, and Google have been incredible resources for learning new skills and getting me through challenges. Having a (growing!) network of amazing creatives is an excellent tool to tap into when I need someone to bounce ideas off.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By Kitty is a multidisciplinary boutique fine art and graphic design studio in Charleston, South Carolina, with a knack for anything with a handmade touch. My signature design services include wedding stationery, brand identities for small businesses, and commissioned watercolor paintings. It’s important to me that the work I put into the world is intentional, evokes a sense of place, and always has my handmade touch- because those elements set me apart from the rest! My work also inspires a sense of serenity and calm, often drawing inspiration from nature. As with any custom work, the heart of what I do lies in truly understanding my clients. Every project begins with a video call to ask questions and delve into their vision, inspirations, and personal style. The best designs are born from a collaborative process. By listening and connecting, I can transform stories into visual narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
How to choose just one!? My cousin lived in Florida and used to visit me in CT for the bulk of the summer when we were kids. As an only child, this was incredibly exciting because it felt like I had a sister! We packed some pretty cool memories into those visits, one of the most unforgettable being we used to put on musicals for my family, friends, and neighbors. Let me tell you, these weren’t just casual shows. They were full-fledged productions! We spent her entire stay writing, rehearsing, and executing these “ticketed events” (no exaggeration!). Looking back, you’d think someone was forcing us to do them with how seriously we took them! Our family filmed a few of the shows, and watching them back now is seriously hilarious – a testament to how creative we were at such a young age.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bykitty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by__kitty/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitty-mitchell-a3637388/
Image Credits
Laura Saur, Trisha Keeler, Andrea Stark
